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Minister Aslam offered USD 100K bribe to ‘speed up’ project

2018-12-01 23:26:39

Minister of National Planning and Infrastructure, Mohamed Aslam (C) with other ministers Photo: President's Office

The recently appointed Minister of National Planning and Infrastructure, Mohamed Aslam says an individual, representing the company which was to be given a water and sanitation project, had offered a bribe of USD 100,000 to ‘speed up’ the process.

Minister Aslam said this while speaking at the ceremony held to inaugurate the water and sewerage system of K. Dhiffushi on Saturday. He said he received a message from the individual offering the bribe last week, making him furious.

“I received a message regarding the project. Although it was set to be given to that particular company, it had not been finalized. The sender of the message asked to speed up the process and said they offer me USD 100,000 to do it!”, minister Aslam said.

Although the minister disclosed this information, he did not reveal the name of the individual or the company they were representing. While bribery is a crime, it not clear whether minister Aslam submitted the case to the authorities.

This is the first time encountering such a situation in his life, he said.

Minister Aslam said he would not resort to corruption and if someone suspects such, they should come forward and say it outright.

Meanwhile the opposition alliance had described the last five years as ridden with corruption and oppression.